filing fret ends

[DTF]

hey I have a roadworn neck with protruding fret ends can i just file them down? what type of file should i use?

[LilloEsquilo]

Originally Posted by DTF

hey I have a roadworn neck with protruding fret ends can i just file them down? what type of file should i use?

You can. You haven't mentioned if you just got the bass like this, or if it has happened due to the weather, but if you leave it in a humidified place for a few weeks that might take care of the problem.

If not or if for some reason you don't need or want to try this, then yes you can file the fret ends down. There are files made specifically for this from places like Stew Mac or you can use something like a jewelers file. Be sure to tape and protect the areas around the fret you will be filing so you don't take chunks out of your fretboard. Don't want to be insulting with too obvious stuff here but basically just maintain your existing angle of the fret and kind of "roll" it in a round motion. A few strokes should work wonders it doesn't take much. Again not meaning to be insulting in any way but with a steel file you cut one way with slight pressure and don't cut the other way coming on the backstroke, if this makes sense.

Hope it helps.

[fivestringgecko]

This came up in the Stambaugh III thread...

The problem I had was my Stambaugh went from New Hampshire to Denver (we have a very dry climate) and the fretboard shrank slightly. It wasn't much, but it was enough to feel the edges of the frets when I played.

THIS POST was pretty darn helpful. Unity Bass got the info from Stambaugh and I followed it to good success.

Just go slow and it works fine.

5sg.

[DTF]

Originally Posted by LilloEsquilo

You can. You haven't mentioned if you just got the bass like this, or if it has happened due to the weather, but if you leave it in a humidified place for a few weeks that might take care of the problem.

If not or if for some reason you don't need or want to try this, then yes you can file the fret ends down. There are files made specifically for this from places like Stew Mac or you can use something like a jewelers file. Be sure to tape and protect the areas around the fret you will be filing so you don't take chunks out of your fretboard. Don't want to be insulting with too obvious stuff here but basically just maintain your existing angle of the fret and kind of "roll" it in a round motion. A few strokes should work wonders it doesn't take much. Again not meaning to be insulting in any way but with a steel file you cut one way with slight pressure and don't cut the other way coming on the backstroke, if this makes sense.

Hope it helps.

thanks, I appreciate the specificity .I have searched and read the other threads on here, just didnt find much on the type of files used and the technique , I appreciate the reply , this is a one piece maple fender neck that I bought from the classifieds here , since there is no fret board im assuming it would take a while for a big piece of wood like this to swell back up so im gonna file it

[DTF]

Originally Posted by fivestringgecko

This came up in the Stambaugh III thread...

The problem I had was my Stambaugh went from New Hampshire to Denver (we have a very dry climate) and the fretboard shrank slightly. It wasn't much, but it was enough to feel the edges of the frets when I played.

THIS POST was pretty darn helpful. Unity Bass got the info from Stambaugh and I followed it to good success.

Just go slow and it works fine.

5sg.

great info thanks brother!

[fivestringgecko]

Originally Posted by DTF

just didnt find much on the type of files used and the technique

Sure thing!

I just used a regular ol' fine grain metal file, worked just fine. Picked it up at the hardware store for $2.99 I think.

5sg.